Resale vs Retail: New Manager at Consigning Women Muses Differences

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. - Aug. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- Lake Oswego, OR -- Consigning Women proudly announces the promotion of dedicated, fashion-forward employee, Geri Mckarem, to Store Manager August 1. An at-home mom with a daughter in her senior year of high school, Mckarem decided to re-enter the workforce three years ago. She found the job posted on craigslist and was hired for her love of retail sales, merchandising, and her experience working for major retailers, including the infamous Fred Segal in southern California.

Mckarem quickly discovered that working in the consignment world is much different than working in a typical retail store. From the intake process to how items sell and the payouts to consigners, there is so much more to how a consignment store operates. As far as shopping at resale stores, she likens the experience to treasure hunting. She says that the consignment store is a way to find those items from Europe that might not be found in standard retail establishments. “It’s almost like antiquing, except the things are new,” she says from the store in Lake Oswego.

Choosing her most memorable items are like choosing a favorite child, yet the Swarovski crystal bracelet she purchased at Consigning Women from a Nordstrom buyer gets the most compliments. She’s always amazed at the quality of the items that come in and the price a consignment shopper can get: Consigning Women recently received a new pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. Marked originally at $900, a lucky shopper will get to purchase them for $350.

What keeps her inspired? The great clothes, the enticement of a treasure hunt, and when shoppers leave happy. She often hears people say, “You guys have the best shoes and purses!” It’s always a surprise, and you never know what is going to walk through the door.

What’s the greatest lesson she’s learned? Whether it’s a typical retail environment or a consignment shop, the number one priority is customer service. She views customer service as though she’s the hostess at a party, and has to make sure everyone is taken care of. She’s also learned that often times, women come into the store with inspiring and funny stories, either about the items they bring in or about themselves. One woman had brought in a load of high quality, better brand items to consign. They were in like-new condition and all size 16. She explained that she had been working out, eating healthful foods and was excited to bring in items because she had lost weight and was now several sizes smaller. Another woman came in with a car-load of clothes with the tags still on. She explained, “I’m in therapy, and my therapist made me do this.”

The way to Mckarem’s heart is through music: country, blues, and classic rock. The best thing she could get right now, other than promotion to Manager? A pair of tickets to see The Eagles in Seattle in September.
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About Consigning Women:
Consigning Women is a premier women's consignment clothier dedicated to finding and offering the finest designer apparel, handbags and jewelry. Located in Lake Oswego, Oregon we are dedicated to satisfying the fashion needs of women in Oregon and Southwestern Washington at reasonable prices while providing our customers an opportunity to recover value from their existing clothing collections.

Contact:
Stephanie Sparkman, Owner
Email: Stephanie@consigningwomyn.com
Phone: 971.645.9867
Address: 1235-B McVey Avenue, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97034
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ConsigningWomyn
Website: http://www.ConsigningWomyn.com